Sparks

               Sparks are needed to start a flame, and sparks are often generated with friction. Based on last night’s episode, there was ample friction to ignite all of Yorkshire County. Nearly every character was set at odds with another.

            Lord Grantham/Carson. It was odd to watch Carson at odds with Robert. He has such unfailing devotion to the family, it is strange to see Carson disagree with his Lordship. I think both of their egos got in the way. Robert is still bruised by not being asked to serve on the memorial committee. And Carson probably feels that Robert’s role on the committee should be that of a child during Puritanical times “seen and not heard.” Since Robert is not officially on the committee he should really but out.  Ironically, in the end, Robert had a better feel for the pulse of the town on the issue than Carson who was asked to lead the committee because he knows the people of the town so well. Carson proved to be the bigger man and agreed to a memorial in the center of town. I don’t think Robert was completely altruistic, again acting like a child, Robert’s deeper concern was protecting his cricket pitch, than giving it up for a memorial garden.

 

            Carson/Mrs. Hughes. Carson’s stiff upper lip waivered ever so slightly when he and Mrs. Hughes disagreed on a couple of issues. First, Mrs. Hughes disagreed that a garden of remembrance was the appropriate tribute. Next, he disagrees that Ms. Bunting should be teaching Daisy. Finally, Mrs. Hughes liked the wireless coming into the Abbey. Mrs. Hughes knows her mind well enough not to wither under Carson’s disappointment and moved on with her life. He confessed he’s uncomfortable when they are not on the same side. His respect for her is obvious, perhaps enough for a more significant relationship?

            Robert/Tom. Tom’s acquaintance with Miss Bunting is stirring the political activism which has lain dormant within him for the past few years. Robert’s fear that Tom might take Sibbie away is more than he can bear. If Robert continues to shoot barbs at Tom about his political views, he might as well pack Sibbie’s bag himself. Tolerance is not Robert’s strength.

            Thomas/Household staff. As predicted, since Thomas wasn’t able to convince Baxter to give him any dirt on the family, and since she confessed her past to Cora, he’s going to try to discredit her with the rest of the staff. Thomas has to reap what he’s sewn, he’s been so nasty with everyone no one cares or believes what he has to say.

            Molesley/Mrs. Baxter. Thomas was only too eager to tell Molesley Baxter’s back story. Clearly Molesley is crushed but he’s so in love with her it is beyond his ken that she could have done anything so nefarious without provocation. Baxter’s refusal to tell him the whole story only makes her more endearing. If Baxter stays (I think she will) she will eventually confide in him with the whole story. They are my odds on favorite for getting married by the end of the season.

 

 

 

            Violet/Isobel. Their relationship is always like flint even on the best of days. Isobel may be warming to the idea of Lord Merton’s attention. Violet is chaffing at the changes the future could be bringing. Isobel as a Lady, and the technological changes making the aristocracy more human are clearly worrying her she is sailing into treacherous waters.

            Edith and Tim Drew/Margie Drew. Tim Drew’s plan to have Edith become Marigold’s godmother is not going down easily with Margie Drew. Drew (who is one of those men who looks better when he’s not smiling, he looks a bit creepy when he smiles) is trying to force Edith on Margie who already thinks Edith has a crush on him. Hello? What part of this plan does Drew thinks is going to work? Margie is clearly an intelligent person, she’s bound to figure out the relationship between Edith and Marigold sooner or later. Will she keep Edith’s secret? Will Tim have to tell Margie the truth?

 

            Mary/Charles Blake Mary is so annoying when it comes to men. I hated her coy demeanor with Charles, who is so clearly smarter than that. She can play coy with Tony because he’s not as smart as Charles, but Charles can see for himself what is going on. He thinks Mary is selling herself short by settling for Tony, but he’s man enough not to grovel for her affection. He tells her she’s too smart for Gillingham, and it seems that there is something else he knows about Tony he’s not telling Mary being that sort of loyal fellow. I think it’s fantastic that he gives her his opinion about an issue then walks away, rather than engage in a debate with her which she clearly wants to do. Charles has given Mary something to think about and his words will come back to Mary. Her plan to spend time with Gillingham has disaster written all over it. There are so many ways this thing could go south. I have a feeling when it hits the fan, Tony will go back to Mable Lane Fox and Charles will be there for Mary to pick up the pieces.

            Cora/Robert/Bricker It’s strange how Robert can have a better understanding of the villagers than the people in his own home. Bricker is obviously flirting with Cora, and the thing Robert complains about is Bricker flirting with the dog. Again childish Robert, avoids the obvious and demands Cora ask him not to flirt with the dog. Cora knows she’s being flirted with and is stung that Robert is more concerned about the dog than he is about her. Bricker won’t stop his flirtations with Cora.

 

            The biggest spark of the episode was saved for the last 30 seconds. Sgt. Willis’s questions about Mr. Green froze the unflappable Mrs. Hughes in her tracks. Mr. Green’s death was apparently witnessed. What did the witness see? Do they think it was murder? Cue the piano and violin…

 

Cheers!

Sex, Lies and Fire Hoses



If anyone thought we’d be easing into Season 5 of Downton Abbey, they were grossly disabused of that notion after watching the first episode. We hit the ground running picking right up where we left off last season. It was an evening of sex, lies and fire hoses—what a start and where to begin?!?

The obvious choice is Edith, but I think I’ll wait to write about her. I’ll start with Robert. After 34 years of marriage, you would think he would take Cora into his confidence, but he doesn’t and continues to pay the price. By “protecting” Cora from the details of life, he puts the family in awkward situations. Had he told Cora about his feelings regarding Sarah Bunting, they could have avoided a painfully

uncomfortable dinner. Alas, he didn’t, and we squirmed through an intense political debate between Robert and Sarah more edgy than anything we’ve witnessed even between Violet and Isobel. He is also thinly veiling his disappointment of not being asked to serve on the WWI memorial committee. He continually says he’s not disappointed but it is obvious he’s crushed.

As for Sarah Bunting, I do not think she will become Tom’s new love. He does not seem to regard her in that way. He recognized her behavior at dinner as being rude (which it was) and apologized for it. I think her role is to prick Tom’s memory of the political activist he used to be. She is reinvigorating his personal views which may lead him away from Downton. He’s talked a lot about moving from Downton and being true to himself, I think Tom will solidify his position this season and either reconcile his views with life at Downton or he’ll move on. He has made frequent statements of how much he loves the family but those statements have always been qualified by another statement of how important it is for him not to lose himself. I’m truly not sure what he’ll do, I can make the case for both scenarios, we’ll see. In any event, I don’t see Miss Bunting coming back to Downton as a dinner guest any time soon. I think she’ll be back but downstairs as Daisy’s math tutor and perhaps she’ll try to rally the downstairs to her political way of thinking. Look out Mr. Carson!!

Ah, Daisy, how can you not feel for Daisy? Here is a young woman who knows there is more to life than peeling potatoes and making the béchamel for the savory. She does not have the formal education others have and has no self-esteem at all she calls herself a “pig ignorant idiot” with “the brain of a kipper” but she is smart enough

to know she needs to acquire certain math skills if she is to become a success as a head cook or the owner of a farm (Yay to Mrs. Hughes for encouraging her). Sarah Bunting will likely become Daisy’s math tutor, she’ll also probably plant some political revolutionary ideas in Daisy’s head as well.

Staying downstairs, I knew Miss Baxter’s secret would be a whopper but I never expected her to be a thief and a convicted felon!! Like Bates, there has to be more to the story. My guess is that she stole the jewelry to help a struggling family member or

friend. I don’t believe she stole the items for herself. The fact that the jewelry was gone by the time the police picked her up tells me she either sold them or gave them to someone else. Baxter must be protecting someone. I love Molesley’s steadfast support of her, and he’s spot on about Thomas.  Any secret she tells him will be used against that person. I don’t think Cora will sack her, which will only increase the tension between Thomas and Baxter. Thomas will try to scratch away at Baxter’s reputation until she’s forced to leave on her own. I think the staff will rally behind her.

Molesley’s hair dying effort was the comedy relief for the evening. Clearly he’s trying to look younger, perhaps to attract Miss Baxter? Robert’s line of inquiry was hysterical. “Molesley are you part Latin?” “No, my Lord.” “Italian?” “No” “Spanish or Irish?” “No”. Not that Italy is a Latin country, but Irish?? Not what I would associate as a dark complected country.

For more sexual innuendo, Violet’s and Isobel’s conversation about Lord Merton was priceless. Violet: “Lord Merton wants what all men want.” Isobel: “Don’t be ridiculous.” Violet: “I was referring to companionship…as I hope you were.” Too funny. In the end though, Violet is determined to scuttle Isobel and Merton’s relationship, she can’t stand the idea that Isobel could become a wife and titled woman and an important figure in the county. Her plans usually succeed, Isobel, however, is the sort of person that tugs in the opposite direction Violet is leaning so it should be interesting. They both live to meddle in other’s lives, we’ll see which meddler wins.

The final bit of sexual innuendo was a brief conversation between Anna and Bates. Bates ponders about parenting a child who was not his when talking about Mary and Gillingham, which led to a quick exchange about having a family of their own. Will there be the pitter patter of little feet for Anna and Bates? How much does Baxter know about Mr. Bates and Mr. Green? Will it interfere with their family planning?

For more sexual activity which was far from innuendo, there was lots going on

both upstairs and downstairs. First, Jimmy and Lady Anstruther made the Abbey fire even hotter!! Yikes! Clearly, Jimmy had to be sacked, but I wonder if we’ll be hearing more from him. Will he maintain his friendship with Thomas?

Then there is Lady Mary and Lord Gillingham. He’s not subtle, I’ll give him that. “Mary, I want to be lovers.” Even though Mary thinks she wants to know more about “that side of things” before deciding on a husband, I’m not sure she is ready. Mary doesn’t like to be pushed, if Gillingham continues to push too hard Mary may bolt. I can’t help but think he’s trying to trap her into the relationship. Gillingham is over-confident now, he thinks he’s won, but I know we haven’t heard the last of Charles Blake.

Now we come to Lady Edith. Sex, lies and fire hoses all apply to her she’s hit the trifecta. The lie is obvious, hiding her child at the Drew farm as the daughter of Mr. Drew’s friend who died. She dotes on Marigold at the Drew farm and ignores the other children completely, subtle. As for the sex, Margie Drew thinks Edith has a crush on Drew tangling the web further. Drew, of course, knows Edith’s secret. He is a funny sort he’s rather like an oracle whose pronouncements have to be deciphered. He tells Edith “We must find a way for you to live the truth without telling the truth.” What does that mean?? Then after giving the problem some thought he comes out with this suggestion, “You’re going to take a greater interest in little Marigold.” Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t that what got Edith into trouble to begin with?? Perhaps he means she should adopt her or become her godmother or take up some other role which will give her exposure to Marigold without raising suspicion and get Drew off the hook.

As for the fire hoses, unlucky Edith tosses the only reminder she has of Gregson into the fire and nearly burns the Abbey down in the process. Her bad luck has risen

to epic levels, she’s now endangering other people’s lives although the only room damaged in the fire was, of course, her room. Now Mrs. Hughes knows something is up with Edith as she overheard Edith and Drew’s conversation. If I trusted anyone with a secret it would be Mrs. Hughes. Perhaps Edith’s luck is about to change.

 

 

Cheers!

You Are Cordially Invited to Season 5

Like the passengers say before a death-defying rollercoaster ride, “here we go!!” Based on the previews PBS has been showing, Season 5 of Downton Abbey is sure to be a whirlwind ride the like of which we haven’t seen yet. Take your Dramamine!

            ‘Twas the night before Season 5 when all through the Abbey

            All the servants were stirring to bring off a dinner none too shabby.

            The silver was gleaming and polished with care

            In hopes Lady Grantham won’t fix them a glare.

            The Ladies and Gents were in deep conversation,

While footmen had visions of longer vacations.

            Cora in her tiara and Robert in his tails, 

Had just settled down for some pheasant and quail.

            When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter

            Mr. Carson ran out to see what was the matter.

            When what to Robert’s wondering eyes should appear,

            But Lady Mary with three suitors thinking her quite dear.

            More rapid than eagles the suitors they came,

            And she whistled and shouted and called them by name:

            “Oh Charles! Oh Evelyn! Oh Tony! Oh boy!

            Which one should I choose for my new handsome toy?

            To the Isles of Scotland, to the Court of the King

            I’d like some diamonds and sapphires in my engagement ring!” 

So off to the jewelers the suitors they flew

            With bags of money and landed estates too.

            She was dressed all in Chanel from her head to her shoes,

            Wondering “which man should I choose?”  

           With a wink of her eye, and a toss of her head,

            Gave her parents to know they had nothing to dread

            She spoke few words, but went right to her choice

            With loads of drama in her well-bred voice.

            “To keep Downton going, and for the love of my life

            I have decided that I will become the wife…”

 

In order to finish my poem we’ll have to do as Julian Fellowes suggests “we’ll just have to watch the show.”

 From what I’ve seen so far in the previews this is what I’ve learned:

·       Edith’s stretch of bad luck continues: Michael is nowhere to be found, she can’t stay away from her little girl (named Marigold (ew)), and she’s nearly burned to death in the Abbey!

·       Mary and Tony get cozy in some hotel (remember Mr. Pamuk?)

·       Mr. Green’s death is being investigated because there was a witness to his death, look out Bates!

·       Daisy wants to be more educated so she’ll be prepared to run Mr. Mason’s farm

·       Cousin Violet has some sordid secret herself

·       An art critic takes an interest in Cora to Robert’s consternation

·       Jimmy has an affair with a Lady who visits the Abbey (and will likely be sacked)

·       Thomas bullies Mrs. Baxter who looks terrified

·       Thomas becomes a sympathetic character (how is that possible??)

·       Branson stays at Downton and likely takes up with Miss Bunting the school teacher.

·       Love springs later in life either for Isobel and Lord Merton or Carson and Mrs. Hughes

·       There will be a wedding at some point

 

As for my personal take, I am still pulling for Charles Blake. I think he’ll

make a better husband for Mary than Tony Gillingham. Tony just rubs me the wrong way. To borrow a comparison from Frozen, Gillingham makes me think of Hans of the Southern Isles. I think he’s interested more in Mary’s estate than in Mary. He wants to be Mary’s lover so how much can he really respect her?? He’s spoken of how he’s had to sell off parts of his estate to pay the taxes after his father died and was all too ready to throw off Mable Lane Fox (who apparently will be making an appearance this series). Charles, on the other hand, knows Tony from the war, is independently wealthy, and loves Mary for who she really is, and I think he is miles smarter than Gillingham.

            I so hope Anna and Bates will catch a break, but I’m sure it won’t

be easy for them. I feel my stomach acids churning already. Warm up the piano and vibrating violin strings.

            I’m sure Mrs. Baxter’s secret is a whopper if she trembles every time Thomas comes near her. Will Molesley be her savior?

 

            As for Edith, like my grandmother used to say “if she didn’t have

bad luck, she wouldn’t have any luck at all”, it appears Michael is lost for good. Two perspective husbands down, but what will she do now? Her baby is with the Drew family and she visits a little too often. I predict Mrs. Drew will contract an illness, die, and Edith will become the new Mrs. Drew and become mother to the Drew children as well as her own little girl. Well, that can’t be any more farfetched than what has already happened to Edith!!

 

 

            Finally, I am most looking forward to Violet’s observations and one-liners. I also can’t wait to see what indiscretion in Violet’s past is

going to come back to haunt her now. It’ll be interesting to see her caught off her perfectly ordered guard.

I’m so excited…off to polish my tiara.

Cheers!

           

The Coming of a New Age

            **Sniff** I can’t believe it’s over, the Winter Olympics are over! Kidding!! Truth be told, I’ve had my full of Olympic coverage.  I eagerly counted down the hours to Downton’s Season 4 finale. Unlike the USA men’s hockey team (I’m still smarting from their world-class collapse), I knew Downton wouldn’t thwart my hopes and, of course, it didn’t.  Brace for a long post!!

            On to the show…

            As usual, Episode 8 was full of surprises.  The show picked up 8 months after Episode 7.  Edith is back from Switzerland without child, Mary still has three suitors, Rose is still wild, and the police are not investigating Mr. Green’s death.  All appears well, but we know better than that.

            The main plot is focused on Rose’s presentation ceremony at Buckingham Palace and the ball afterwards.  The Yorkshire staff is asked to pitch in with all the preparations in London.  Daisy’s feet barely touch the pavement in London when she is being chatted up by Harold Levinson’s valet, Mr. Slade.  Slade is effervescent and brutally honest when it comes to his employers, to the discomfort of the starched and pressed English staff, especially Mr. Carson.  Carson looks (some of which are hilarious) at Slade like he’s a deranged being.  They may speak the same language but there is definitely something lost in translation.  Mr. Slade did manage to bolster Daisy’s ego which is just what she needed.

            Mrs. Baxter, buoyed by Mr. Molesley, has drawn a line in the sand with Thomas.  She has never been comfortable being his spy.  I think she’s realized she has a future at Downton, she is liked and respected by everyone. She’s willing to come out of her shell, risk being exposed by Thomas, and take her chances.  This new found confidence will hopefully be used against Thomas.  What does it take for him to get fired?!?! No one likes him either upstairs (well, with the exception of Cora, who hired Edna Braithwaite so her character references are questionable) or downstairs. Thomas is so deeply evil, it’s stunning he’s still around.  He’s an excellent source of drama though which explains his presence.

            Thomas isn’t happy until there is unrest somewhere in the house.  Tom unfortunately enables Thomas’s passion by doing things he knows are not appropriate.  Tom is wonderful at managing the estate but a nightmare at managing his own life.  You’d think he would have learned a lesson from Braithwaite.  Sarah Bunting is clanging the same gong. She talks about him not being one of “them”, she constantly shoots barbs at the family he says he loves (i.e. where is the current Countess’s crest, I don’t see a dollar sign.  Mean.), he just can’t stand up for himself.  He’s like a moth to the flame, and Mrs. Hughes can’t douse the fire this time. He’s got to be a big boy and tell Ms. Bunting where to get off.  He tells Edith they’ve got to stand up to the Crawley family, how about standing up to the people who make him feel even more uncomfortable like the Braithwaites and Buntings of the world?  They don’t understand him any more than the Crawleys do.  I hope next season brings Tom a backbone.

            It is clear the show was written by a Brit.  The Americans in the show are portrayed as overbearing and rude.  They don’t seem to mind, though.  Rather, they embrace these opinions and make no apologies for the way they are.  In the end, it turns out to be endearing to nearly everyone, save the Dowager.  I hope we see more of Harold Levinson next season.  His character grew on me.

            It has been a difficult time for the Dowager. She is aware that the aristocratic era she has always known is coming to an end.  Everywhere she turns, modern advances are being made with which she is finding difficult to cope. Edith slams her when the Dowager tries to change the awkward subject of Edith’s baby to a discussion of her French acquisition. “That’s right Granny, let’s talk about what really matters.”  Lighten up Edith!  Your grandmother paid for the trip to Switzerland and kept your secret, which had to have been difficult.  How about, “Thank you, Granny.”

            The Dowager thought she had the better of the verbal joust with Martha Levinson during the following exchange: Martha, “I have no desire to be a great Lady.” Dowager,“No. A decision that is reinforced every time you look into the glass.” Martha draws the final blow when she warned the Dowager that she lives in the modern age, and that the Dowager’s time is fading away.  The Dowager looked so feeble as she walked into her room, there was a resignation in her posture painfully recognizing Martha’s assertion was too true.  I still love the Dowager, and I’m not crazy about Martha.  It doesn’t help that her makeup makes her look like the Joker in a Batman film.

            Now for “Mary’s men.” The more time Mary spends with Charles Blake, the more I like him.  I do like Mary with Tony, but I’m afraid he’d be more of the old school.  If Mary wants to move forward, I think her best chance is with Charles. She smiles much more around Charles and she clearly trusts him. He’ll challenge her not to remain complacent, I’m not sure Tony will do that.  It’s intriguing that he’s to inherit a large estate.  It’ll be interesting to see how that plays out.  Will it help? Or, will it hurt his case with Mary?  In any event, the battle has begun and I can’t wait to see if either of them comes out the victor.

            I think (rather, I hope) the matter of Mr. Green is behind us.  The web between Anna, Bates, Mrs. Hughes and Mary again provided for the most suspenseful moments of the evening.  If there is a soundtrack to the show the menacing piano music should be titled “Bates’ theme.”  He can scowl with the best of them!  In the end, Bates’ unwavering loyalty to the family saved him and the only evidence against him (which we know of now) has been destroyed.  Wait until next season, someone will have taken a picture of Piccadilly Square just as Bates shoved Green into the road.  Just leave them alone!!!

            The lines between upstairs and downstairs are becoming less defined, perhaps an indication of the approaching modern era.  The conversations between Mary and Mrs. Hughes were not characteristic of the employer/employee relationship, nor was the conversation between Mary and Bates.  Robert asking Bates to use his unique abilities and connections to help them with Sampson could not have been typical.  As a side note, I do find it ironic that Bates posited a person who had an important document was likely to keep it on him (like in an overcoat) rather than leaving it lying around, when all along the ticket stub that could have been used to condemn him was in his own overcoat.  Bates, what are you doing hanging on to the ticket stub 8 months later???

            As usual Rose causes trouble wherever she goes, nearly bringing down the Prince of Whales (who incidentally will eventually abdicate his throne for Mrs. Wallace Simpson, I don't think that was Rose's fault).  Clearly Robert was outraged by her immaturity, but as long as there are people to pick the pieces up after her, she'll never grow up.

            Finally we come to Edith. Her trials and tribulations continue.  Despite having secured Swiss parents for her daughter, she cannot bear the idea of not being a part of her life.  I understand how she feels, it’s the way she goes about things that drive me crazy.  She’s just so whiny. She would be well suited for Tom, both can speak their minds in comfortable circumstances but when the rubber meets the road both get timid unable to make a firm decision.  We’ll see if Mr. Trewit can keep her secret.  Again, with Edith’s luck, this is going to blow up somehow.  But how: Will Michael come back?  Will Margie Trewit decide not to take the baby into their home?  Will the pull of motherhood be too strong for Edith confessing to all what happened?  Will some pig borne illness sweep through the Trewit family? Will Trewit blackmail Edith? The more far-fetched the better!

            There wasn’t the big cliffhanger I was expecting like in seasons past, but there certainly are enough unanswered questions and open-ended plot lines to keep me eagerly awaiting Season 5.

Ta for now! (I’m off on a Viking River Cruise! I’ve seen so many Masterpiece episodes, I’ve been brain washed!)

I'll follow up with a post script blog...

Rose, Daisy and Violet: a Garden of Drama

            The penultimate episode of season 4 set us up for what will likely be the best cliffhanger of the entire series.  More twists and turns at the Abbey.  Just when you think you know what is going to happen, WRONG, the plot turns in a completely different direction.  I suppose that’s what so compelling about the show and what keeps us tuned in!

            Many of the lesser characters had a huge part in advancing the story in this latest episode.  Daisy finally makes peace with Alfred.  Poor, witless Alfred; he doesn’t know a good thing when he has it.  Daisy, on the other hand, went to see the sage of Yorkshire County: Mr. Mason.  He always gives her spot on advice in such caring and loving way.  I absolutely see Daisy moving out to his farm at some point.  She has a home there.  Good bye, already, Alfred!

            Who knew Mr. Moseley would be the Don Juan of the Abbey?!  He was as surprised as any of us when Mrs. Baxter showed him the least amount of attention!!  The question is, however, is Baxter playing him to get to Thomas?  I hope she doesn’t break Moseley’s heart, it’d be like breaking Winnie the Pooh’s heart.  We did get the slightest glimpse into Baxter’s past.  She lived in London for a time and didn’t like it. She came from a family that was not well respected.  She suffered hard times at least twice in her life.  We don’t know her connection to Thomas…yet, but I’m sure it will have something to do with her shady past.

            Now for Rose, it became clear her relationship with Jack Ross was less about her being in love with him and more about her making her mother livid. Rose should never be allowed outside the Abbey walls.  She brings gale force trouble wherever she goes.  As for Jack Ross, he’s too good for Rose.  Other than the obvious differences between the two, Ross is so much more mature than Rose, who has no idea what it means to be genuinely in love.  To Mary’s credit, she recognized that Ross was too good for Rose and that he deserves better.  I can’t believe she’s going to Buckingham Palace next week, I also can’t wait for her to flirt with one of the princes. Jack who?

            Tom showed some real class last night.  He was wonderful the way he parried back the school teacher’s barbs at the Crowley family.  He has grown, but he has not completely changed his thinking.  He now takes people as he finds them, he doesn’t judge anyone by their political affiliation.  He’s even quoting the Dowager!

            The Dowager’s greatest moment last night was not actually saying anything.  She eyed the smaller arrangement of flowers she received from her old friend and then the larger more elaborate arrangement of flowers he sent Isobel.  Tracking her eyes from floral arrangement to floral arrangement was priceless. I don’t think this is a budding romance for Isobel.  She enjoys her independence too much.  It is fun to see the Dowager’s feathers ruffled a bit.

            The way the scene was set when the Dowager invited Rosamund and Edith to tea was actually more like an inquisition with the Dowager as the prosecutor. They both crumbled like a scone under her withering glare. How could anyone attempt to slide one past her?  She’s too savvy and perhaps a bit cynical, but it definitely works to her advantage.

            Mary can’t shake either Tony Gillingham or Charles Blake.  Each is determined to have her as his wife.  Tony knows Charles is a competitor but Charles seems unaware of Tony’s intentions. This obviously won’t be settled this season, something to look forward to next season.

            Alas Edith is off to the Swiss Alps “to improve her French.”  If Cora were any more dim, they’d have to hook her up to a pacemaker!  Her sister-in-law proposes to go to Switzerland with Edith for several months and she doesn’t even blink an eye. Sure you can go, Michael Gregson who? Is this the last we’ll see of Edith or will Gregson show up at the final hour, divorce papers in hand ready to marry Edith?  This is Edith we’re talking about so probably no.  With her luck she’ll get trapped in an avalanche on a Swiss Mountain.

            Then finally we come to Anna and Bates.  You just knew something was going to happen to Mr. Green.  Did Bates have anything to do with it?  After all as he assured Anna he “never does anything without a good reason.”  A sentence loaded with double meaning if there ever was one.  It wasn’t a confession and it wasn’t a denial.  Maybe his prison education is coming in handy again.  I feel that Mary will somehow get caught up in the affair and Charles Blake will stand by her (the realist), while Tony (the aristocrat) won’t.  Tony seemed too irritated with Mary to let the matter go.

            The previews for next week have Cora’s family descending on the Abbey. The Dowager should be in rare form.

Ta for now!

Oxygen Please!!

            For the first time ever, I was glad Season 4 Episode 6 ended when it did.  I’m not sure I could have taken another minute of tension!  Granted, I’m craving more, but my nerves couldn’t have taken much more in one sitting!!  I’ll need a week to recover from this one.

            Where to begin?  Serious drama on all fronts: upstairs, downstairs and stretching across to America. The details of Robert having to go immediately to America were sketchy.  What possible difference could Robert make in Arthur’s affairs?  I suspect that will be one of the plot lines for Season 5.  Maybe Thomas will be thrown overboard on the crossing.

Tension Meter:

            Remember back in Season 1, when Lord and Lady Grantham were turning over every stone in the English peerage to find a suitor for Mary? (With no luck, by the way)  Now suitors are crawling out of the highly polished woodwork seeking Mary’s attention.  Evelyn Napier, Charles Blake, and Tony Gillingham all in one room, all vying for Mary’s favor, a recipe for tension if there ever was one. Then there’s poor Mary who’s not seeking any of their good opinions because as she put it, she’s “not ready to be happy.”  Blake, who was the dark horse, is coming on strong.  Nothing says “I love you” like a face full of mud in a pig sty.  A relationship with Napier or Gillingham is too obvious, a relationship with Blake will take some nurturing and time to grow which is what Mary needs right now.  Blake will challenge her intellectually which is what Mary seems to like.

Tension meter:

 

            Now for Edith, what to say? An abortion in the 1920’s was virtually unheard of, yet she brought us to the door of the doctor’s examination room before she changed her mind.  Full props to Edith for her fortitude but she’s got her work cut out for her.  I’m getting a little tired of her skepticism.  She has had more than her share of heart breaking misfortune, but she’s too eager to believe the negative from her family members.  Cora and Robert are genuinely concerned.  Rosamond showed unconditional support for Edith, despite the obvious social mountain Edith has before her.  I have a friend who predicted an Edith/Tom marriage last summer.  I thought it completely ridiculous, but she may be right after all.  Tom asked Isobel last week, “Do you think there are any other Earl’s daughters willing to take me on?” In this episode Edith said, “Sybil could have gotten away with this, not me.”  Little bread crumbs, perhaps paving the way for an Edith/Tom hookup?

Tension Meter:

 

            Isobel continues to demonstrate a caring heart.  Isobel’s devotion to Old Lady Grantham while she was sick was inspiring.  Even in the throws of bronchitis, the Dowager managed to get off some marvelous lines.  The exchange between the women as they played cards was priceless. Dowager, “I’d forgotten how much fun this game is.” Isobel, “I forgotten as well.” Dowager, “How long does the game last?” Isobel, “Oh ages.” Dowager, “Goody, goody.”

            Now for downstairs.  Alfred coming back was a real wrench for Daisy.  Ivy’s flirty ways are wearing thin in the Downton kitchen.  Like a boiling pot, this situation is going to spill over and leave an emotional mess.  Perhaps it’s the incentive Daisy needs to get off on her own.

            The arrival of Lord Gillingham brought his evil valet, Mr. Green.  It’s hard to believe, but I like Thomas and Mrs. O’Brien together more than I like him.  They’ve showed glimpses of humanity, Green has none.  I have so grown to respect Mrs. Hughes.  Mr. Carson may think he has the run of the house, but it’s Mrs. Hughes who really knows what’s going on.  I’m glad Mary finally knows about Anna.  I think Green may have signed his own death warrant confessing he was down in the kitchen during the concert as he reached for the cauliflower-cheese.  A glare from Mr. Bates, who now knows, cue the rising menacing music, and get ready the oxygen mask for me!

Tension Meter:

 

Brace yourself for Episode 7!  Whichever way this ends, you know it’s going to be the ultimate cliffhanger!

Ta for now!

Prozac for Edith!!

            Since there was zero drama in the Super Bowl, I eagerly awaited the next installment of Downton Abbey.  You’re never sure if the Abbey can withstand more drama, but every week Julian Fellowes manages to pull us closer and closer to the edge of our seats. By the end, I suspect I’ll give in and watch the last episode for this season on the floor!!

            The plot really thickened for Edith last night.  I was annoyed when we barely got a glimpse of what Edith’s letter contained.  With the help of DVR I was able to re-watch the episode and pause it long enough to read the letter.  Edith did go to see an OB doctor and he confirmed his initial findings that Edith shows all the signs and symptoms of being in her first trimester of pregnancy.  Meanwhile, Michael is missing in Germany; perhaps not the safest place for a Brit to be in post-WW I Germany.  To me, the saddest part of all is that Edith has no one in whom she can confide.  When Robert calls her “his most darling girl” she retorts by saying “but I’m not really.”  Her self-esteem is virtually non-existent. Poor Edith, if she didn’t have bad luck, she’d have no luck at all.  She was jilted at the altar, now she’s pregnant, her fiancé (who is still married to a “lunatic”) is missing, and she has no one with whom she can talk.  Keep the sharp objects away from her and don’t let her sit too close to the fire!!

            Isobel and Violet had one of their best sparring matches yet.  It’s funny but in so many ways they share the same beliefs and shortcomings and yet each refuses to let the other get the upper hand. Usually, though, they both want what they think is just.  Both were absolutely right and both were absolutely wrong last night.  Violet definitely had the better of the verbal joust.  How ironic it was when Violet, the true aristocrat, threw back at Isobel some of Isobel’s own trademark indignation by saying, “Understanding only comes when you put aside your prejudice and start listening.” Touché.  Even when she was wrong about young Pegg, Isobel fumed at Violet, “How you hate to be wrong.” To which Violet countered, “I wouldn’t know, I’m unfamiliar with the sensation.” End of argument.

            While on the subject of pride and prejudice we come to Mary and Mr. Blake (no relation!).  I so hope this doesn’t become a love/hate relationship.  It seems Mary is doomed to those types of antagonistic relationships. He’s definitely got her goat and you know she’ll do whatever she can to prove him wrong (the pride part). He thinks she’s a snob not willing to work for her position, a la Matthew when they first met (the prejudice). Perhaps Lord Gillingham is out of her life (boo!) and Mr. Blake is entering it.  We’ll see…

            Here comes the history geek in me.  Violet made a few references to English history in her quips.  When she resigns to calling Branson “Tom”, in the last episode, she refers to knowing how King Canut felt.  He was a king of England in the early 1000’s who was betrayed by two of his stepsons.  Next, last night when she told Isobel that she was surprised Isobel didn’t try to burn down the Abbey, painted in woad and howling at the moon.  Woad is a plant from which comes a blue dye, if you’ve seen Braveheart the Scots (Picts) painted themselves with blue paint (from woad) before attacking.  There’s a mental picture for you, Isobel painted in woad!!

            Rose kissing Jack Ross was no surprise; in fact, it was the most obvious thing that happened last night.  The only question is where does it go from here?

            I think I’m going to like Baxter.  I’m hoping she helps to put Thomas in his place.  I thought we got rid of him two seasons ago but no luck.  Baxter hates ratting on the family and with any luck she’ll turn her popularity upstairs and downstairs against Thomas.  If he brought in the person responsible for his undoing, it would be a perfect end to his scheming!!

            I loved how Cora came to Bates’ and Anna’s rescue at the restaurant.  The maitre de was such a little snob.  I think Cora helped not only because it was Anna and Bates but also because ruffling the maitre de’s feathers provided some entertainment for her during a deadly dull evening.  What of Cora’s brother?  Should we expect another visit from America?  Perhaps next season.

            Congrats to Alfred and Mr. Mosely, sympathy for heartbroken Daisy, and a lesson hard learned for Ivy.  Jimmy is the rogue we always knew he was.  Mr. Carson got a great shot in on Jimmy.  Alfred said he was nervous about his new opportunity, Jimmy derisively asked why to which Mr. Carson assured Alfred, “Intelligent people are cautious, stupid people are fool-hardy.” Boo-ya Jimmy!

Ta for now.